Ben Coxworth April 21, 2016

The StandPLUS, all folded up (Credit: edelkrone).

Although tripods are an essential photography tool, the things can be a bit of a hassle. That’s why edelkrone has introduced the simpler StandPLUS, which the company emphasizes is not a tripod.

On a regular tripod, each of the three legs has to be extended and locked individually. Additionally, even in their telescoped-down state, full-sized tripods are typically still a few feet long, and can thus be rather awkward to carry.

By contrast, the StandPLUS simply unfolds to chest height and down again within a few seconds – when folded up, it measures about 20 inches (508 mm) long. A wheeled three-armed spreader on the bottom quickly also folds out to provide stability, with a piano-pedal-like foot stand being used to hold it in place.

While it does appear to be handy for indoor applications, the StandPLUS doesn’t look like it would do particularly well on uneven outdoor surfaces. Additionally, it’s not clear whether or not the camera can be panned, or if its level can be adjusted.

edelkrone informs us that the StandPLUS will be released this summer (Northern Hemisphere), at which time pricing will be announced. In the meantime you can see a short demo of it, in the video. – Gizmag

Source: edelkrone via Fstoppers
TAGS #FOLDING #TRIPODS #PHOTOGRAPHY

Simon Crisp April 7, 2016

5 PICTURES The Hasselblad H6D-100c can shoot 100-megapixel stills and 4K video

More pix at:

http://www.gizmag.com/hasselblad-100mp-medium-format-h6d/42688/?utm_source=Gizmag+Subscribers&utm_campaign=4a025f7c49-UA-2235360-4&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_65b67362bd-4a025f7c49-91008629

When Phase One announced it was launching a 100-megapixel CMOS full frame medium format back for its XF system, we didn’t think it would be too long before Hasselblad responded. The new H6D is that response, and the Swedish firm says the camera, which comes in 50 and 100-megapixel options and can shoot video at up to 4K resolutions, has been rebuilt with an all-new electronic platform.

The Hasselblad H6D-50c has a shooting rate of up to 2.5 fps The Hasselblad H6D-50c features a 50-megapixel CMOS sensor which offers 14 stops of dynamic range The Hasselblad H6D-100c uses a 100-megapixel CMOS medium format sensor The Hasselblad H6D-100c features a rear 3-inch touch-screen with a 920k dot resolution
Rather than simply improving on the existing H5D camera, Hasselblad says it has gone back to the drawing board with the H6D, with the result being an all-new medium format camera which offers a number of improvements, while retaining the modularity medium format that users expect. The camera will be available with either H6D-50c or H6D-100c digital backs, offering 50 and 100-megapixel shooting.

As there are a couple of differences between the H6D-50c and H6D-100c other than their megapixel count, we’ll start off by looking at what specifications the cameras share. This includes new-generation processors and a new electronic platform which has been designed to handle large file throughput with speed and ease. To cope with the large files there are dual card slots, with the cameras each taking one CFast card and one SD.

Around back there are 3-inch touch-screens with 920k dot resolutions and a stylish interface which looks like it’s come from a Leica T. The H6D cameras also feature a USB 3.0 Type-C connector for fast transfer rates and tethering, along with Wi-Fi connectivity. The duo have a shutter speed range of 60 minutes to 1/2000th of a second and are compatible with Hasselblad’s Phocus 3.0 image processing software and the H system lens line, which is getting an update to match the faster shutter speeds of the H6D.

Now to the differences. While the 100-megapixel count of the H6D-100c is obviously larger, so are the physical dimensions of its sensor. It measures 53.4 × 40.0 mm, meaning it offers an almost full field-of-view from medium format full frame lenses, just like that we saw in the Phase One XF 100MP.
The H6D-100c also offers 15 stops of dynamic range and has an ISO range of 64 to 12,800. The camera can shoot at speeds of up to 1.5 fps (frames per second) and brings 4K video capability to medium format, being able to shoot at up to 4K UHD at 30 fps.

Meanwhile, the 50-megapixel sensor of the H6D-50c measures 43.8 x 32.9 mm and offers 14 stops of dynamic range. Its ISO range is also a reduced 100 to 6,400, however, it does boast a faster shooting rate of up to 2.5 fps. Video recording is limited to 2K HD video at 30 fps.

As you’d expect of Hasselblads, the H6D cameras do not come cheap. Both are expected to be available in June with the H6D-50c priced at €22,900 (or US$26,000), and the H6D-100c €28,900 ($33,000).

SIMON CRISP GIZMAG JANUARY 6, 2016

The Nikon D500 is said to pack the performance of the new D5 into a compact …

Not content with launching its flagship full-frame D5 and revealing a 360-degree shooting action camera, Nikon has also outed a new flagship APS-C DSLR with the long-awaited D500. The camera is billed as packing the performance of the D5 into a compact, lightweight body.

The Nikon D500 will set you back US$2,000 body-only when it becomes available in March The Nikon D500 measures 147 x 115 x 81 mm (5.8 x 4.6 x 3.2 in) … The Nikon D500 features built-int NFC, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth At the heart of the Nikon D500 is a 20.9-megapixel APS-C DX CMOS sensor
The D500 is a camera we didn’t know if we’d ever see. Since the D300s back in 2009, the best new additions to Nikon’s APS-C DSLR range have been the D7XXX cameras, such as the D7200. But now the Nikon D500 looks like a true flagship crop sensor DSLR, and one which can give the Canon 7D Mark II a run for its money.

At the heart of the Nikon D500 is a 20.9-megapixel APS-C DX CMOS sensor which measures 23.5 x 15.7 mm. The sensor is paired with the same EXPEED 5 image-processing engine as in the Nikon D5. However, with the smaller than full frame sensor comes a more restrained ISO range of 100 to 51200 (though it’s still expandable to an impressive 1640000 equivalent).
On the speed front, the D500 offers continuous shooting at 10 fps (for up to 200 shots in 14-bit lossless compressed RAW) and features the same 153-point autofocus system (with 99 cross-type points) as the D5. This could make the camera a solid option for pros who want a more affordable second camera, along with sports and wildlife photographers, or enthusiasts who don’t want to compromise.

Video recording reaches all the way up to 4K UHD 3840 x 2160 at 30/25/24 fps, with Full HD 1080p frame-rates increasing to 60/50 fps. Of use to videographers will be the new 3.2-inch 2,359k-dot LCD monitor which is both tilting and a touchscreen, this is something we’ve been waiting some time to see on a high-end Nikon.

Build quality of the D500 puts it between high-end enthusiast models like the D7200 and thoroughbred professional cameras, like the D5, by featuring a magnesium alloy top and back panel. It also offers the same amount of weather sealing as the Nikon D810. The camera measures 147 x 115 x 81 mm (5.8 x 4.6 x 3.2 in) and weighs 860 g (1 lb 14.4 oz). Interestingly, there’s no built-in flash, and the D500 uses one XQD and one SD memory card.
Connectivity is a strong point of the D500 and it features Nikon’s new version of SnapBridge. This lets users connect the camera to a compatible smart device via built-in NFC, Wi-Fi and low-power Bluetooth, making it considerably easier to transfer images, or use the smart device to browse images stored in the camera, than many other high-end DSLRs.

The Nikon D500 will set you back US$2,000 body-only when it becomes available in March, or around $3,070 with a 16-80-mm F2.8-F4 kit lens, which will give a 24-120-mm equivalent in 35-mm-format because of the APS-C sensor.

Product page: Nikon D500